We may have loved to hate the performances in last week's Liz & Dick, but no one can deny that the beauty looks were epic. Emmy-nominated makeup artist Eryn Krueger Mekash avoided what could have been a campy beauty pageant and instead pulled inspiration from Miss White Diamonds herself. (And yes, Lindsay had her own opinions.) Krueger Mekash can do more than just old-school Hollwood glamour: The 26-year industry vet, who got her start in special effects, is also responsible for all the gore, guts, and blood on American Horror Story. I asked her about recreating an icon—and the secrets to scary makeup.

You cover almost three decades of Liz Taylor's life in the film. How did you age Lindsay? "I initially started with my own research and started scrutinizing Elizabeth's trademarks. I then met with costume designer extraordinaire Salvador Perez. He had already been designing before I came onboard, and that helped to flesh out my looks. To create the illusion of aging skin on Lindsay, I used 3D prosthetic transfers around her eyes, and highlighter and shadow for her older looks. Grant Bowler [who played Richard Burton] and Theresa Russell [Elizabeth's mother] wore prosthetics and Green Marble SeLR concentrate." [Editor's note: I used this in my grade-school theater debut as Cruella Deville—the "sealant" separates makeup layers so you can add different layers without everything turning into a smeary mess. I looked like a magnificent drag queen.]

Were you inspired by any of the products Liz actually used? "I didn't use any of her products but I really tried to emulate the colors she used. And I only put mascara on her upper lashes for the 1950's. It was the style."

How involved was Lindsay? "Lindsay had great ideas and lots of input. She always wanted bigger, bigger, bigger eyeliner! We discussed the upcoming looks for the next day the night before so we knew how many changes we were up against—usually a lot—and what time period we were doing, what outfits she was wearing, and her makeup ideas for each one."

Suppose I want to re-create Liz's infamous cat eye. I've read that looking down at a mirror during liquid-liner application makes it easier to create a very tight line along lashes. Any other insights you could share? "That is a good idea! I think that Lancôme's Artliner or Kanebo's KATE Eyeliners are probably the easiest for personal use. They have this great little quill—it's hard to make a mistake with those."

What was your favorite signature Liz look to create and which one was the most challenging? "The most challenging was the changes during the Cleopatra scenes. That being said, those are also the most fun to do. I also loved the look when Lindsay/Elizabeth is in the yellow dress at the theater, when Grant/Dick is performing Hamlet."